What Does an Adult Foster Care Caregiver Do?
Adult Foster Care caregivers help eligible members remain safely at home by providing consistent daily assistance, cueing, supervision, and emotional support. The exact responsibilities depend on the member’s assessed needs and approved plan of care.
Assistance With Activities of Daily Living
A central caregiver responsibility is helping with activities of daily living. Depending on the member, this may include:
- Bathing and personal hygiene
- Dressing
- Eating
- Toileting
- Walking and mobility
- Transferring between a bed, chair, toilet, or other surface
Some members need hands-on physical assistance. Others may need frequent cueing, reminders, redirection, or supervision because of a cognitive, behavioral, or medical condition. Learn more about activities of daily living.
Following the Member’s Plan of Care
The Adult Foster Care team develops a plan based on the member’s assessed needs. The caregiver is expected to understand and follow that plan, participate in updates, and provide the approved assistance consistently. The caregiver should not independently make clinical changes outside their role.
Supporting Safety at Home
- Monitoring for fall or mobility risks
- Maintaining clear and accessible pathways
- Following emergency and backup-care plans
- Using equipment according to instructions
- Reporting meaningful changes in health, behavior, or functioning
- Helping the member follow established routines safely
Communication With Nurses and Care Managers
Caregivers work with the provider’s nurses and care managers. They participate in scheduled home visits, ask questions, receive training, discuss changes in the member’s condition, and help the team understand how the care plan is working in daily life.
Caregiver Documentation
Caregivers must complete required documentation accurately and on time. Records should reflect the care actually provided and any relevant observations. Documentation requirements are explained during training and ongoing provider visits.
What Adult Foster Care Caregivers Do Not Replace
A caregiver is not a substitute for emergency medical services, a physician, or skilled clinical care. Families should call 911 for emergencies and follow the instructions of licensed healthcare professionals. Adult Foster Care services also cannot be combined with certain duplicative programs, so coverage and service coordination must be reviewed during intake.
Who Can Become a Caregiver?
A potential caregiver must generally be age 18 or older, live with the member in a qualified home, be able to provide the required care, and complete screening, references, health documentation, and training. A spouse or court-appointed legal guardian cannot be the paid caregiver, and a parent cannot be paid through the program to care for a child under age 18.
Review the full Adult Foster Care eligibility requirements.
Caregiver Payment and Professional Support
Through Mass Care Link, an approved caregiver may receive up to $1,520 per month, based on need and MassHealth approval. The provider also supplies nursing oversight, care management, training, and ongoing guidance. Payment and approval are determined through the formal assessment and authorization process.
Take the Next Step
If you already provide daily care for someone at home, complete the Mass Care Link prequalification questions or call 866-880-8889.
This article provides general educational information. Eligibility, caregiver approval, payment, and authorization depend on current requirements and individual circumstances.